Day Trips from Spread Eagle
A huge thank you to Jim Zacks for putting together all of this information about exciting day trips you can take from Spread Eagle.
To save a PDF of this information, please click here.
Spread Eagle “Daytrips”
These locations are all reachable for a day-trip, although some people may prefer to have more time and combine multiple locations into an overnight or multiple day trip.
Nearby-east
Piers Gorge https://gowaterfalling.com/waterfalls/piersgorge.shtml
Located on the Menominee River, off of US 8 (heading south from Norway) and near the Michigan/Wisconsin border. There is a relatively easy trail to spectacular views of the waterfall, often with views of rafters and kayakers on a nice day.
Pine Mountain https://www.pinemountainresort.com
The Pine Mountain complex, located on the northwest edge of Iron Mountain, includes a downhill ski area, a ski jump, a lovey golf course and a veterans’ memorial at the base of the ski jump scaffold. It is possible to drive to the top of the alpine ski hill and the base of the ski jump scaffold. Those who like serious exercise can climb the steps alongside the landing of the ski jump to get from the base of the landing to the base of the scaffold.
Menominee Range Historical Museums https://menomineemuseum.com
Newly consolidated in one site are three museums, the Cornish Pump and Mining Museum, the Glider & Military Museum and the Menominee Range Museum provide interesting glimpses into several different facets of local history. Check their website for seasonal hours.
Millie Mine Bat Cave https://www.michigan.org/property/millie-mine-bat-cavehttp://travelthemitten.com/landmarks/millie-mine-bat-viewing-and-millie-hill-lookout-iron-mountain/
Located on Millie Hill in Iron Mountain, this abandoned mine shaft is the home to large numbers of hibernating bats who can be seen leaving the shaft in the morning and returning in the evening. The best chance of seeing them is in the early spring (April and May) and in the fall (September and October) around dusk. In addition to the bats there are pretty views of Iron Mountain.
Nearby-west
Big Bull Falls https://www.google.com/maps/place/Big+Bull+Falls/@45.7875831,-88.4813796,11.89z/data=!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x4d53c866ee7489b5:0x5cb1267b1d6d9f28!2sFlorence,+WI+54121!3b1!8m2!3d45.9224168!4d-88.2520047!3m4!1s0x4d53bd06872ef58d:0x6acc3b3aaa0f8ebe!8m2!3d45.8000474!4d-88.4084771
This falls is on the Popple River, just north of where Highway 101 crosses the Popple about 13 miles southwest of Florence. Turn right onto West River Road, just before the bridge across the river, and the falls is about ¾ of a mile down the road. There is a small parking lot where the trail goes to the falls. The trail is a bit rough and may be wet in the spring, but it goes through lovely areas of trout lilies and trillium in the spring.
Bond Falls https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?id=412&type=SPRK
Bond Falls is on the Middle Branch of the Ontonagan River. It is about 79 miles (1 hour, 25 minutes) from Spread Eagle. Take US2 west to highway 45 north to Paulding. Turn right onto the road into the falls in Paulding. There is a parking lot with bathrooms. The bottom of the falls is handicapper accessible. There is a paved/boardwalk path to the base of the falls (about 500) that goes around the bond at the base of the falls to provide multiple viewing angles. There is also a trail (with some steep steps and lots of tree roots that goes up the side of the falls and continues up past several more, small falls and rapids until it meets the road. It is a short walk down the road to get back to the parking lot. Like most Michigan waterfalls, this one is most spectacular during the spring run off or after a good rain.
Horse Race Rapids. http://travelthemitten.com/waterfalls/horse-race-rapids-iron-county/
This is an easy place to get to from Spread Eagle. It is 18 miles from Florence, taking US2 west to a right turn at Alpha onto County Airport Road that turns into Horse Race Rapids Road and ends at the trail head. This is a pretty place to take a short walk and to see a rapids on the Paint River. The trail has steps on the steep parts and is a bit rugged. Wear appropriate shoes. There are steep drops if you leave the trail, so you are advised to stay on the trail. (There was a fatality several years ago when someone left the trail and fell down the cliff.)
Iron County Historical Museum https://ironcountymuseum.org
This museum has a lot of interesting relics of the history of the area. It is located at 100 Brady Avenue, Caspian, MI 49915, about38 miles from Spread Eagle via US2 to Iron River. The indoor and outdoor exhibits are self-guided, and are interesting to kids as well as adults.
Marquette and Munising areas
A round-trip to Marquette and Munising makes for a nice, but full day depending on how many of the sights that you try to see. If you want to see most of them it would be more comfortable to make it an overnight trip, especially if you want to include a boat cruise to see the Pictured Rocks National Seashore.
Marquette https://www.travelmarquette.com
Presque Isle Park https://www.marquettemi.gov/departments/community-services/parks-and-recreation/presque-isle-rentals/
This is a lovely park on the shore of Lake Superior. There are picnic areas as well as short walks. There is a loop drive through the main part of the park. The loop is closed in the winter and during the summer it is closed during certain hours for walkers and bikers. Their website lists the walking hours. As you near the park you pass a working iron ore dock and can often see ships loading ore from viewpoints inside and outside the park.
Northern Michigan University
In addition to having the kinds of classroom and student housing buildings typical of a small campus, the university has a covered stadium that seats about 8000 people. What is unique about the building is that it is the largest wooden dome in the world (or so they claim).
Marquette County Courthouse
The movie, Anatomy of a Murder (1959), based on a novel by local writer Robert Traver (John Voelker) was filmed in the courthouse.
https://www.michiganbusiness.org/4a84f9/globalassets/documents/film/final_anatomy_murder_tour_2-1.pdf
Lakenenland Sculpture Park https://lakenenland.com
Tom Lakenen, a welder and sculptor, has created a sculpture park that contains more than 100 welded, scrap iron sculptures. After visiting you will have no doubts about his sense of humor or his political leanings, as he hides neither of them. This is a unique place that has to be seen to be believed. It is about 14 miles east of Marquette on highway M28.
Munising https://www.munising.org
Waterfalls
Munising Falls https://www.munising.org/member-detail/munising-falls/
Memorial Falls https://gowaterfalling.com/waterfalls/mna.shtml
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore https://www.nps.gov/piro/index.htm
Boat tour. https://picturedrocks.com
Visitor center and views in the park
Waterfalls viewable from land
Miner’s Falls https://www.nps.gov/places/miners-falls.htm
Sable Falls https://www.nps.gov/places/sable-falls.htm
Chapel Falls https://www.nps.gov/places/chapel-falls.htm
Keeweenaw Peninsula https://www.keweenaw.info
Houghton
Michigan Technological University https://www.mtu.edu
Hancock
Quincy Mine. https://www.quincymine.com Located at the site of a former copper mine, it provides a glimpse into copper mining and its role in the economy and culture of the area. When the mine ceased production in 1945 the main shaft was over 9200 feet.
Calumet
Calumet Theatre. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Calumet_Theatre
“downtown”
Copper Harbor area
Jacob’s Falls https://gowaterfalling.com/waterfalls/jacob.shtml This falls is part of a string of falls, one of which is easily viewed from the roadside park at its base.
Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary https://michigannature.iescentral.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=locationgallery&action=listing&listing=110 A stand of virgin white pine has been preserved and can be seen from a pair of trails, totally 2.5. miles, that wind through it. Some of the trees date 500 years and stand 125 feet tall.
Fort Wilkins Historic State Park. https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?id=419&type=SPRK This restored military outpose was built in 1844 and provides a glimpse into life at that time.
Brockaway Mountain Drive https://www.michigan.org/property/brockway-mountain-drive This 9.5 mile drive climbs to 720 feet above Lake Superior, providing spectacular views of the lake and the Keeweenaw Peninsula.
Jampot (Home of Poorrock Abbey). https://poorrockabbey.com The Holy Protection Monestary sells wild berry preserves made from fruit picked near the shop as well as a selection of baked goods.
Fitzgerald’s https://www.fitzgeralds-mi.com This restaurant, on the shore of Lake Superior with a balcony overlooking the water, is noted for its smokehouse barbecue.
Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park
https://www.uptravel.com/outdoors-recreation/national-state-parks/porcupine-mountains/?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=search_2021&gclid=Cj0KCQjw29CRBhCUARIsAOboZbKBNjslOeJLNUHdcb5tCLRrT4fffiEtQY1vUVqQpl_PGHtjW3l8-1caAu5oEALw_wcB
Visitor center https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?id=426&type=SPRK
Lake of the Clouds Scenic Overlook https://www.porcupineup.com/lake-of-the-clouds/# The overlook of Lake of the Clouds and the surrounding porcupine Mountains is iconic and spectacular. In addition, the overlook has been made handicapper accessible via a wooden ramp and boardwalk.
Waterfalls
Agate Falls https://www.porcupineup.com/agate-falls-2/
Manabezho, Manido and Nawadaha Falls https://gowaterfalling.com/waterfalls/manabezho.shtml These three falls are near each other on a 1-mile stretch of the Presque Isle River as it approaches Lake Superior
On My To-Do List
The National Black River Scenic Byway (north of Bessemer, MI)
Black River Waterfalls https://www.explorewesternup.com/things-to-do/black-river-area/#Conglomerate (This is a series of falls on a 14 mile drive on the Black River Scenic Byway (County Road 513) north from Bessemer, MI. There are multiple waterfalls on the Black River. Along the way you also pass Copper Peak. https://copperpeak.net , a ski-flying hill where the record jump was 518 feet. There have been no jumps since 1994, but there is a movement to renovate the facilitate. In 2021 there were chairlift rides to the top as well as an elevator up the scaffold, but it is not clear whether they are still in operation. At the end of the drive is Black River Harbor, one of only two harbors in the National Forest system.
Ironwood https://travelironwood.com/
Stormy Kromer factory tour https://www.stormykromer.com/factory-tour/ (Currently suspended because of COVID)
General Information about Waterfalls
For those interested in waterfalls there are many to view in the UP and nearby-northern Wisconsin. A great resource includes a map and lists and describes most of the waterfalls, state by state, many with pictures. https://gowaterfalling.com/waterfalls/maps/statemichigan.shtml http://gowaterfalling.com/waterfalls/maps/statewisconsin.shtml
To save a PDF of this information, please click here.
Spread Eagle “Daytrips”
These locations are all reachable for a day-trip, although some people may prefer to have more time and combine multiple locations into an overnight or multiple day trip.
Nearby-east
Piers Gorge https://gowaterfalling.com/waterfalls/piersgorge.shtml
Located on the Menominee River, off of US 8 (heading south from Norway) and near the Michigan/Wisconsin border. There is a relatively easy trail to spectacular views of the waterfall, often with views of rafters and kayakers on a nice day.
Pine Mountain https://www.pinemountainresort.com
The Pine Mountain complex, located on the northwest edge of Iron Mountain, includes a downhill ski area, a ski jump, a lovey golf course and a veterans’ memorial at the base of the ski jump scaffold. It is possible to drive to the top of the alpine ski hill and the base of the ski jump scaffold. Those who like serious exercise can climb the steps alongside the landing of the ski jump to get from the base of the landing to the base of the scaffold.
Menominee Range Historical Museums https://menomineemuseum.com
Newly consolidated in one site are three museums, the Cornish Pump and Mining Museum, the Glider & Military Museum and the Menominee Range Museum provide interesting glimpses into several different facets of local history. Check their website for seasonal hours.
Millie Mine Bat Cave https://www.michigan.org/property/millie-mine-bat-cavehttp://travelthemitten.com/landmarks/millie-mine-bat-viewing-and-millie-hill-lookout-iron-mountain/
Located on Millie Hill in Iron Mountain, this abandoned mine shaft is the home to large numbers of hibernating bats who can be seen leaving the shaft in the morning and returning in the evening. The best chance of seeing them is in the early spring (April and May) and in the fall (September and October) around dusk. In addition to the bats there are pretty views of Iron Mountain.
Nearby-west
Big Bull Falls https://www.google.com/maps/place/Big+Bull+Falls/@45.7875831,-88.4813796,11.89z/data=!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x4d53c866ee7489b5:0x5cb1267b1d6d9f28!2sFlorence,+WI+54121!3b1!8m2!3d45.9224168!4d-88.2520047!3m4!1s0x4d53bd06872ef58d:0x6acc3b3aaa0f8ebe!8m2!3d45.8000474!4d-88.4084771
This falls is on the Popple River, just north of where Highway 101 crosses the Popple about 13 miles southwest of Florence. Turn right onto West River Road, just before the bridge across the river, and the falls is about ¾ of a mile down the road. There is a small parking lot where the trail goes to the falls. The trail is a bit rough and may be wet in the spring, but it goes through lovely areas of trout lilies and trillium in the spring.
Bond Falls https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?id=412&type=SPRK
Bond Falls is on the Middle Branch of the Ontonagan River. It is about 79 miles (1 hour, 25 minutes) from Spread Eagle. Take US2 west to highway 45 north to Paulding. Turn right onto the road into the falls in Paulding. There is a parking lot with bathrooms. The bottom of the falls is handicapper accessible. There is a paved/boardwalk path to the base of the falls (about 500) that goes around the bond at the base of the falls to provide multiple viewing angles. There is also a trail (with some steep steps and lots of tree roots that goes up the side of the falls and continues up past several more, small falls and rapids until it meets the road. It is a short walk down the road to get back to the parking lot. Like most Michigan waterfalls, this one is most spectacular during the spring run off or after a good rain.
Horse Race Rapids. http://travelthemitten.com/waterfalls/horse-race-rapids-iron-county/
This is an easy place to get to from Spread Eagle. It is 18 miles from Florence, taking US2 west to a right turn at Alpha onto County Airport Road that turns into Horse Race Rapids Road and ends at the trail head. This is a pretty place to take a short walk and to see a rapids on the Paint River. The trail has steps on the steep parts and is a bit rugged. Wear appropriate shoes. There are steep drops if you leave the trail, so you are advised to stay on the trail. (There was a fatality several years ago when someone left the trail and fell down the cliff.)
Iron County Historical Museum https://ironcountymuseum.org
This museum has a lot of interesting relics of the history of the area. It is located at 100 Brady Avenue, Caspian, MI 49915, about38 miles from Spread Eagle via US2 to Iron River. The indoor and outdoor exhibits are self-guided, and are interesting to kids as well as adults.
Marquette and Munising areas
A round-trip to Marquette and Munising makes for a nice, but full day depending on how many of the sights that you try to see. If you want to see most of them it would be more comfortable to make it an overnight trip, especially if you want to include a boat cruise to see the Pictured Rocks National Seashore.
Marquette https://www.travelmarquette.com
Presque Isle Park https://www.marquettemi.gov/departments/community-services/parks-and-recreation/presque-isle-rentals/
This is a lovely park on the shore of Lake Superior. There are picnic areas as well as short walks. There is a loop drive through the main part of the park. The loop is closed in the winter and during the summer it is closed during certain hours for walkers and bikers. Their website lists the walking hours. As you near the park you pass a working iron ore dock and can often see ships loading ore from viewpoints inside and outside the park.
Northern Michigan University
In addition to having the kinds of classroom and student housing buildings typical of a small campus, the university has a covered stadium that seats about 8000 people. What is unique about the building is that it is the largest wooden dome in the world (or so they claim).
Marquette County Courthouse
The movie, Anatomy of a Murder (1959), based on a novel by local writer Robert Traver (John Voelker) was filmed in the courthouse.
https://www.michiganbusiness.org/4a84f9/globalassets/documents/film/final_anatomy_murder_tour_2-1.pdf
Lakenenland Sculpture Park https://lakenenland.com
Tom Lakenen, a welder and sculptor, has created a sculpture park that contains more than 100 welded, scrap iron sculptures. After visiting you will have no doubts about his sense of humor or his political leanings, as he hides neither of them. This is a unique place that has to be seen to be believed. It is about 14 miles east of Marquette on highway M28.
Munising https://www.munising.org
Waterfalls
Munising Falls https://www.munising.org/member-detail/munising-falls/
Memorial Falls https://gowaterfalling.com/waterfalls/mna.shtml
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore https://www.nps.gov/piro/index.htm
Boat tour. https://picturedrocks.com
Visitor center and views in the park
Waterfalls viewable from land
Miner’s Falls https://www.nps.gov/places/miners-falls.htm
Sable Falls https://www.nps.gov/places/sable-falls.htm
Chapel Falls https://www.nps.gov/places/chapel-falls.htm
Keeweenaw Peninsula https://www.keweenaw.info
Houghton
Michigan Technological University https://www.mtu.edu
Hancock
Quincy Mine. https://www.quincymine.com Located at the site of a former copper mine, it provides a glimpse into copper mining and its role in the economy and culture of the area. When the mine ceased production in 1945 the main shaft was over 9200 feet.
Calumet
Calumet Theatre. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Calumet_Theatre
“downtown”
Copper Harbor area
Jacob’s Falls https://gowaterfalling.com/waterfalls/jacob.shtml This falls is part of a string of falls, one of which is easily viewed from the roadside park at its base.
Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary https://michigannature.iescentral.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=locationgallery&action=listing&listing=110 A stand of virgin white pine has been preserved and can be seen from a pair of trails, totally 2.5. miles, that wind through it. Some of the trees date 500 years and stand 125 feet tall.
Fort Wilkins Historic State Park. https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?id=419&type=SPRK This restored military outpose was built in 1844 and provides a glimpse into life at that time.
Brockaway Mountain Drive https://www.michigan.org/property/brockway-mountain-drive This 9.5 mile drive climbs to 720 feet above Lake Superior, providing spectacular views of the lake and the Keeweenaw Peninsula.
Jampot (Home of Poorrock Abbey). https://poorrockabbey.com The Holy Protection Monestary sells wild berry preserves made from fruit picked near the shop as well as a selection of baked goods.
Fitzgerald’s https://www.fitzgeralds-mi.com This restaurant, on the shore of Lake Superior with a balcony overlooking the water, is noted for its smokehouse barbecue.
Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park
https://www.uptravel.com/outdoors-recreation/national-state-parks/porcupine-mountains/?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=search_2021&gclid=Cj0KCQjw29CRBhCUARIsAOboZbKBNjslOeJLNUHdcb5tCLRrT4fffiEtQY1vUVqQpl_PGHtjW3l8-1caAu5oEALw_wcB
Visitor center https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?id=426&type=SPRK
Lake of the Clouds Scenic Overlook https://www.porcupineup.com/lake-of-the-clouds/# The overlook of Lake of the Clouds and the surrounding porcupine Mountains is iconic and spectacular. In addition, the overlook has been made handicapper accessible via a wooden ramp and boardwalk.
Waterfalls
Agate Falls https://www.porcupineup.com/agate-falls-2/
Manabezho, Manido and Nawadaha Falls https://gowaterfalling.com/waterfalls/manabezho.shtml These three falls are near each other on a 1-mile stretch of the Presque Isle River as it approaches Lake Superior
On My To-Do List
The National Black River Scenic Byway (north of Bessemer, MI)
Black River Waterfalls https://www.explorewesternup.com/things-to-do/black-river-area/#Conglomerate (This is a series of falls on a 14 mile drive on the Black River Scenic Byway (County Road 513) north from Bessemer, MI. There are multiple waterfalls on the Black River. Along the way you also pass Copper Peak. https://copperpeak.net , a ski-flying hill where the record jump was 518 feet. There have been no jumps since 1994, but there is a movement to renovate the facilitate. In 2021 there were chairlift rides to the top as well as an elevator up the scaffold, but it is not clear whether they are still in operation. At the end of the drive is Black River Harbor, one of only two harbors in the National Forest system.
Ironwood https://travelironwood.com/
Stormy Kromer factory tour https://www.stormykromer.com/factory-tour/ (Currently suspended because of COVID)
General Information about Waterfalls
For those interested in waterfalls there are many to view in the UP and nearby-northern Wisconsin. A great resource includes a map and lists and describes most of the waterfalls, state by state, many with pictures. https://gowaterfalling.com/waterfalls/maps/statemichigan.shtml http://gowaterfalling.com/waterfalls/maps/statewisconsin.shtml